Lay’s History

Lay's Transmission Company has been in business since 1956 and is Toledo, Ohio's premier full-service transmission repair and replacement company. Lay's is well known and respected in the Toledo community and the surrounding areas for the superior quality of our transmission rebuilds and repairs. Family owned and operated, we have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and we take great pride in providing unrivalled domestic and foreign transmission repairs and rebuilds to residents and businesses of Ohio and Michigan.

Family Legacy!

In 1955 after winning the 55’ National Drag Races in Indianapolis, a young Kenny Lay fresh back from the Korean War, where he worked in the motor pool, decided to go into business for himself.

The story goes that 53’ olds he raced to many victories had an automatic transmission. Most race cars back then were stick shifts/manuals. One year earlier, he was experimenting with different internal trans components to reduce the delay in between shifts to increase the durability to handle the horsepower.

His long hours had paid off with a national championship in drag racing.

Fifteen years later, he added another national championship in the USAC Sprint Car Division. His detailed knowledge of automatic transmission and its inner workings led him to go into business for himself, which would open the doors of 1956 Lay’s Transmission.

Kenny Lay began rebuilding and repairing passenger cars, trucks, and units for used car dealerships. Due to Lay's Transmission's reputable work and integrity, the company has built an outstanding reputation and has even been recognized for the quality of work produced. 

The New Generation!

The success of Kenny Lay over the decades allowed for expansion, which eventually turned the company over to Kenny’s youngest son, Brad Lay, who began with the company in 1985 and purchased it in 2002. Kenny Lay didn’t go far, as Brad kept his father on board as a company advisor to help guide the growth of the business.

Brad Lay, in his leadership, drew heavily from his father’s wisdom, particularly in the aspect of glorifying God through the work of Lay’s Transmission. The guiding principle that both Kenny and Brad adhered to, and continue to uphold, is the “Golden Rule” of treating others as they would like to be treated. This steadfast practice, honed over many years, led to Lay’s Transmission being honored with the prestigious BBB Torch Award for Outstanding Ethics in the Market Place. To this day, the company maintains an A+ rating, a testament to its unwavering commitment to ethical business practices.

Today, Lay’s continues to specialize in cars, trucks, fleets, and some commercial vehicles, with focused service on drivetrain repair, clutches, torque converters, transmissions, transfer cases, driveshafts, rear diffs, axles, and bearings. Lays also specializes in in-house transmission rebuilding and ensures a quality product and service with each new customer.

TRUST. PERFORMANCE. INTEGRITY.

 Career Opportunities!

  • Lay’s Transmission takes pride in hiring the best to stay the best! Working for Lay’s is being part of the family. You’ll join a family history of success and high-quality service.

  • When you work for Lay’s you can expect to be treated with respect, honor, and one of the family. With PTO and benefits to help you grow in your career.

  • We are searching for automotive installers who have a passion for helping customers get back on the road.

    We specialize in transmission repair, and we look for individuals who are versed in this specific segment.

    If you are dedicated, focused, and want to make a positive impact on our customers then we want you to work with us!

  • To apply to our installer position please visit 378 Phillips Ave. Toledo, 43612 and ask for an application.

    We look forward to meeting you!